Hello dear friends of this community space, today let's talk about the environment. Considering the importance of the environment and environmental protection, a day was set aside to commemorate **World Environment Day*
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° World Environment Day is celebrated annually on **5 June** and encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment. It is supported by many non-governmental organizations, businesses, government, entities, and represent primary , united Nations outreach day supporting the Environment 
![Screenshot_20250606-161922.jpg](https://img.blurt.world/blurtimage/emmanuel237/6cb2d649f6249d919c120231b95b8955f42ae28f.jpg)
° This year's world Environment Day has been celebrated under the theme: **Collective action to. tackle plastic pollution**.  The 2025 World Environment Day calls for "*collective action to tackle pollution** It comes exactly two months before countries resume negotiations towards a global treaty to end plastic pollution.
✓ *How can we therefore tackle plastic pollution?*
![Screenshot_20250606-161955.jpg](https://img.blurt.world/blurtimage/emmanuel237/9259a5454e40250d6f7421ae86e24c5423631703.jpg)
We need to **tackle the life cycle of plastics, enable the development of alternatives and stop plastic pollution leaking into the environment** Refill and reuse must become far more prevalent. We must encourage the private sector to innovate, take responsibility and finance an en to plastic pollution.
**How to reduce plastic consumption?**
✓  This could be done through; avoiding single -use plastics such as straws, use cloth bag for shopping, buying more bulk food and fever package products , and also replace plastic Tupperware for glass or steel container.
**CASE STUDY OF CAMEROON:**
Cameroon known as **"Africa In Miniature"** faces various environmental challenges despite its rich natural resources. Here beneath is a Case Study highlighting some key aspects 
✓  **Environment concerns**
° *Deforestation*: This is a major issue with the government working to protect forest like the Ebo forest.
![Screenshot_20250606-161627.jpg](https://img.blurt.world/blurtimage/emmanuel237/58c2b9dc5df6d14facbccfa2272ecdbc6ac38028.jpg)x
° *Pollution*: Plastic bags are a significant problem, with an estimated 72% of citizens considering pollution a serious issue in their community.
![Screenshot_20250606-162129~2.jpg](https://img.blurt.world/blurtimage/emmanuel237/f2642ebd13777a04e9c5a54e5aae3c7d18ab4684.jpg)
✓  *Waste Management*: Improper disposal of human waste and general waste are pressing concerns with initiative like the Yaounde city council's  CFA 80 billion waste recycling project.
° **Government Initiatives**:
√  *Carbon Market*: Cameroon aims to tap to estimate and monetize its carbon storage capacity. 
√ *Reforestation*: The country secured XAF 6.5 billion from Germany for reforestation projects
![Screenshot_20250606-162207.jpg](https://img.blurt.world/blurtimage/emmanuel237/2d2147defe60f5405989f8a7bfeedb0a08d4a074.jpg)
√ *Sustainable Forestry*: Discussion with the world bank on sustainable forestry plans for the Congo basin.
°  **Private Sector contributions**:
√ SABC, the Cameroonian brewery has planted trees to combat desertification and aims to reinforce its eco-friendly approach 
√ Namé Recycling a local company has recycled around 9000 tones of plastic waste, including 250 million plastic bottles.. 
√ Red Plast Sarl has secured tax exemption for new recycling facility in Douala.
° Despite the government and private sector initiatives, there are still some challenges and pocket of opportunities, as seen below.cc
- *Illegal wood Trade*: The government is cracking on illegal logging and trade.
- *Renewable Energy*:  The Mbakaou mini-hydro plant at least 4, 893 tons per year very 
- *International support*: The IMF provided $1834 million to support Cameroon's economic resilience and sustainability.
**Environmental Impacts**:
- *Pollution*: Plastic bags litter the streets, Water ways, and oceans.
![Screenshot_20250606-162259.jpg](https://img.blurt.world/blurtimage/emmanuel237/2cd5380c1c7435d0c963f98b0915a5719376017f.jpg)
- *Harm to wildlife*: Animals ingest or get entangled in plastic bags.
-  *Climate change*: Plastic bags production contribute to green house gas emissions 
° **Health Impacts**
✓  *Choking hazards*: Plastic bags can block drains, thereby causing floods
✓ *Water contamination*:  plastic bags can contaminate water and can also clog infrastructure thereby affecting economic activity 
✓  *Recycling*: Encourage recycling programs. **Reducing Plastic bags use**
- *Switch to reusable bags*: Keep reusable bags handy for shopping 
- *Choose products with minimal package* Opt for items sold in bulk or with minimal packaging.
- *Refuse single -use bags*: Decline single -use bags at store.
**Recycling Initiatives**:
✓ *Implement bag recycling programs*:
Some stores and communities have bag recycling programs.
✓ *Participate  in clean-up initiatives*:  Join local clean-up events to reduce plastic waste.
✓  *Support plastic bag recycling facilities*: Encourage investment in recycling infrastructure.
![Screenshot_20250606-162259~2.jpg](https://img.blurt.world/blurtimage/emmanuel237/96d4a047f2d2cf4860d7bcf902e9e0300e7ac3dc.jpg)
![Screenshot_20250606-162259~3.jpg](https://img.blurt.world/blurtimage/emmanuel237/cc49c46c75c5d79a5d01fd60f10dd7ef68b3dec8.jpg)
**Innovative Solution*":
- Biodegradable bag alternative 
- Consider compostable bags made from plant-based materials 
° Inorder to break free from plastic there is a need for global movement to reduce plastic waste. By developing global agreements to address plastic pollution. While sharing best practices and technologies to address plastic pollution is primordial.